Observations of Internal Waves on an Oceanic Boundary Slope without a Shelf Region (Hawaiian Islands)
Abstract
The reflection of oceanic internal waves at the sloping flanks of the Hawaiian Islands has been examined with historical records of current, temperature, stratification and bathymetry. The characteristics of the reflection process at the so-called "critical frequency" were sought as a function of environmental parameters. Dramatic spatial variations in the strength of the internal wave field at the critical frequency near topography were found, with the most important environmental factors being buoyancy frequency, bottom slope, direction of propagation of incident waves, proximity to shoals, and possibly bottom morphology. Contrary to the published literature, bottom curvature was not an important factor.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 21, 2001
- Accession Number
- ADA387913
Entities
People
- Douglas S. Luther
- Mark A. Merrifield
Organizations
- University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa